Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express “I want to be” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re looking to have a formal or informal conversation, understanding how to convey your desire to become something or achieve a certain role is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express this phrase, provide regional variations when necessary, and share plenty of tips and examples to help you master this concept.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Want to Be” in ASL
When expressing your desire formally in ASL, there are a few variations of the phrase “I want to be” that you can use. Here are some examples:
Variation 1: NAME + FUTURE ROLE
One way to express your desire to become something in a formal setting is by stating your name followed by the role or position you aspire to. Here’s an example:
[Sign name] I WANT BE TEACHER
(My name is ____ and I want to be a teacher)
Variation 2: I + WANT + FUTURE ROLE
Another formal option is to use the pronoun “I” along with the sign for “want” followed by the role you wish to pursue. Here’s an example:
I WANT BE TEACHER
(I want to be a teacher)
Informal Ways to Say “I Want to Be” in ASL
When communicating more casually in ASL, there are informal variations of the phrase “I want to be” that you can use. Here are a couple of examples:
Variation 1: FUTURE ROLE + WANT
In informal settings, you can simply state the role or position you want to pursue followed by the sign for “want.” Here’s an example:
TEACHER WANT
(I want to be a teacher)
Variation 2: FUTURE ROLE + WANT + ME
An alternative is to include the sign for “me” after stating the desired role and then signing “want.” This emphasizes that it’s your personal desire. Here’s an example:
TEACHER WANT ME
(I want to be a teacher)
Regional Variations
While the basic concepts of ASL remain relatively consistent across regions, there might be some variations in certain signs or slight differences in how to express “I want to be” in specific locations. However, the variations mentioned above cover the most commonly used and understood expressions for this phrase, making them suitable for communication across different regions.
Tips for Communicating “I Want to Be” in ASL
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when expressing your desire to be something or achieve a specific role in ASL:
- Use appropriate facial expressions: Just like verbal language, facial expressions play an important role in ASL. Ensure your facial expressions match the tone and context of your desire when signing “I want to be.”
- Pay attention to body language: Alongside facial expressions, your body language conveys meaning in ASL. Maintain appropriate posture and use gestures to enhance your signs.
- Practice commonly used role signs: As you learn ASL, familiarize yourself with signs for various roles or positions frequently used in conversations. This will help you communicate your desires more efficiently.
- Seek feedback from fluent signers: To improve your ASL skills, consider interacting with fluent signers who can provide feedback, correct your signs, and offer guidance on signing “I want to be.”
Examples of “I Want to Be” in ASL
To give you a better sense of how to express “I want to be” in ASL, here are a few more examples:
Example 1:
I WANT BE ARTIST
(I want to be an artist)
Example 2:
ACTOR WANT ME
(I want to be an actor)
Example 3 (Informal):
WRITER WANT
(I want to be a writer)
Conclusion
Mastering the ability to express “I want to be” in ASL is a valuable skill that allows you to communicate your desires and aspirations effectively. Whether you prefer a formal or informal approach, using the appropriate variations and practicing the signs for common roles will greatly enhance your ASL conversations. Remember to pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and seek feedback from fluent signers as you work towards fluency in ASL.
